Wednesday, December 18, 2013Clabo motivated for second Bills meeting
By James Walker

DAVIE, Fla. – Tyson Clabo was downtrodden after the Miami Dolphins’ Week 7 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Miami’s starting right tackle allowed two sacks to Buffalo defensive end Mario Williams in the fourth quarter that led to the Dolphins’ 23-21 upset loss.

The loss wasn’t completely on Clabo, but his postgame demeanor said as much. Clabo took on the responsibility and admitted he was pushed around by Williams down the stretch.

Clabo struggled mightily in the first half of the season. He allowed the most sacks on the team through the first six games, which was capped by Clabo’s two sacks allowed against the Bills. Clabo was later benched for a week before returning to the starting lineup.

Now, Clabo is playing some of his best football of the year two months later. He’s motivated to have a better performance against Buffalo in a big game.

“I’m doing the same things I was doing, I’m just doing it better,” Clabo said in the locker room Wednesday. “I’m going to continue to try to do that. These guys are good, so there’s definitely a challenge. I’m going to show up.”

The Dolphins (8-6) will be favored to beat the Bills (5-9). Miami is the hotter and more talented team. But one way the Bills can pull the upset is by getting to the quarterback.

Miami’s pass protection has been inconsistent all season. The Dolphins allowed four sacks last week on quarterback Ryan Tannehill in a 24-20 win over the New England Patriots.

Clabo admitted after the Buffalo loss that Williams is one of the toughest matchups in the NFL and is difficult to block one-on-one. Clabo gets a return date against Williams on Sunday.

“I’m not going to hide or dance around the fact that guy is really good,” said Clabo, who stood by his prior comments of Williams. “So obviously it’s going to be a challenge for anybody he lines up against. He’s good. I have no regrets. I’m just being honest.”